Glen Rovers put Rebel Óg minor hurling title on line against Douglas

A place in the semi-final of the Premier 1 minor hurling championship is at stake on Tuesday night in what should be a top-class game.

Defending champions, Glen Rovers, take on Douglas in the quarter-final, throw-in 8pm at the Mardyke, with little or nothing between the sides.

Last year the Glen beat Douglas in the group stages and then in the final and were worthy winners on both occasions. They have been outstanding again this year, with impressive wins over Ballincollig and Aghada.

However Douglas got the better of them in their group game, a tie they had to win or their championship season was over.

It was the reverse last year in their group clash as that was a game the Glen had to win or they were out. They went on a winning run from there to the final, playing some magnificent hurling.

There is talent all through their side, with the likes of Oisin O’Connell, Cork minor Conor McCarthy and Kyle Cronin anchoring their defence.

Brothers Michael T Brosnan and Jake Brosnan form a formidable midfield pairing. Ahead of them Diarmuid Wall, Josh Brosnan, and Cian Walsh will take some stopping. They never make it easy for their opponents and motivation won’t be a problem with their title on the line.

Before a ball was hit this year they were favourites to win the championship and make it two in a row and in the eyes of many that hasn’t changed.

They were far from their best against Douglas and won’t be in any mood to be beaten by their southside rivals again.

But Douglas too have talented players at their disposal, with Liam Kelleher and Donnacha Reddington anchoring their defence.

Oliver Haynes Barry and Sam Sheedy will battle with the Brosnan brothers in midfield and up front Cork U20 Ronan Dooley and minor duo Mark O’Brien and Jack O’Brien will lead their attack.

It’s a game that will attract a huge crowd to the Mardyke tonight and one that could easily take extra time to separate the sides.

If the Glen win, they'll face Midleton with Ballincollig taking on Sars, if Douglas prevail, it's Douglas-Sars and Ballincollig-Midleton. The semis are slated for September 18.

Ahead of that game, the Premier 2 Minor Hurling League final between Youghal and Bandon will take place, throw-in 6.30pm. Both sides won five of their seven league games and in the previous meeting there was little between them. 

It should be an entertaining game and could also require an additional 20 minutes to find a winner.